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Magnetic Filters, What Are They And Do They Work?

February 07, 2018

A magnetic filter is a component that we install on central heating systems. It’s a simple idea that has revolutionised the way we protect our boilers. A central heating system is made up of a number of different metals, some are ferrous (can rust) and some are non-ferrous (can’t rust). These metals can be magnetic (Magnetite) and non magnetic (non-magnetite). Sometimes these metals break down and little particles break away from your radiators or other components. A magnetic filter is installed on the pipework before the boiler, and prevents any particles that would usually cause blockages from entering it. The debris caught by the magnetic filters do not necessarily have to be magnetic like the name suggests, a good magnetic filter will be able to separate non magnetic particles as well.

HOW DOES A MAGNETIC FILTER WORK?

Different magnetic filters will work differently to others, but the basics to it are simple. Magnetic filters are primarily designed to suspend debris which is magnetic. The debris that falls off steel radiators is magnetic, however there are scenarios which cause non-magnetic debris to occur within the system, this is where some magnetic filters fail.Which magnetic filter is the best? This question pops up a lot and could cause world war 3 between engineers but our preffered magnetic filter is called the Spirotech MB3.

Why we favour the Spirotech MB3 magnetic filter

Spirotech have been in the industry for over 80 years – These guys know what they’re talking about.

20 years guarantee – most filters offer a 2 year cover but this one is covered for the life span of your boiler.

Made completely of solid brass – this is the only filter I know of that is made from solid brass, I have had bad experiences with plastic magnetic filters which have leaked after a year or two. So far, no issues.

The MB3 its very effective as removing both magnetic and non magnetic debris from systems.

HOW MUCH DO MAGNETIC FILTERS COST

Magnetic filters vary in price, and range from around £50 up to £100 and further for bigger systems. You pay for what you get in this market, the Spirotech MB3 and the Magnaclean Pro 2 are the most popular in my opinion and are priced at the higher end of the market.

The average costs to have Hydroheat install a magnetic filter onto your heating system is between £130 – £200, this depends on whether or not we would need to alter pipework to make room for the new filter.

Thank you for taking the time read our article, we hope you found this information useful.